I'd say essential, not just important. A great many new writers appear to have a shaky grasp on the realities of the publishing business. For a start, that it's a business. And really, there's no excuse for not conducting yourself like a professional from the get-go, for not doing your homework, doing the research, finding out how the business operates and what they need to do in order to become part of it.

I've used the analogy before, and I'll use it again now: it's like watching any one of the Idol shows. Or So You Think You Can Dance. They're like a microcosm of the game. Some people have the desire, but lack the basic qualities to make a go of it. That's heartbreaking, but inescapable. Some people have the raw talent, but lack the training/polish to make a go of it right now. There's hope for them, they just have to go away and improve. And provided they don't have a hissy fit and a dummy spit and throw a tantrum, provided they recognise where they've fallen short and take steps to address those issues, there's every chance they'll make a go of it. And then there are the people who have both talent and preparation, coming together at the right time and in the right place. That's not luck, that's hard work and foresight and perserverance.

That's very true, but the number of aspiring writers who *do* assume that the first things they write are perfect, and are massively offended and scream 'conspiracy' when they're not sold, is depressingly high. These are the people who *do* attack editors and agents, aggressively demanding reasons and justifications as to why they've not been accepted. They're the reason why most agents and editors these days refuse to supply anything more than a 'thanks but no thanks' form rejection letter.

It's not because the agents and editors don't care, it's not because they don't want to help people improve their work and chances of being published -- these are people who need a constant influx of great new talent -- but because they've nearly all had their fingers burned when they've made an effort.

That's why I always say the greatest skill a new writer can nurture is objectivity. I mean, lord knows I completely misread my own readiness for publication in the early days. I look back, now, at what I submitted and cringe while turning fourteen shades of mortification. But eventually I got over it, and learned to look at my work with a critical, unaccepting eye.

I think it's a vital part of the process.

Spread the word as far as you like! I don't claim to have all the answers, but if anything I say can help someone else make progress, that's wonderful.

Well ... I didn't say that authors *can't* help you. What I said was it's not really appropriate to ask an author to help you. If someone offers you an introduction to their agent, fantastic. It might not come to anything, but it's certainly a good contact/experience to have.

As for it being hard to land an agent, it is. That's largely because most major publishers have stopped looking at unsolicited manuscripts, so they no longer have slush piles, which means that agents are now the ones wading through piles and piles of manuscripts. They're overworked big time -- they're trying to service their existing clients as well as find new talent. The process has become mired down, there's no doubt about it.

But at the end of the day, the publishable work finds a way. And, on average, you're more likely to land a contract with an agent than without one. I don't think I said you don't need one -- in fact, I'm pretty sure I said it was advisable. It's just that sometimes an author can make a sale without one -- like I did, originally.